The Maoist party will not accept piecemeal solution, Dahal told Constituent Assembly Chairman Subas Nembang in a meeting in Kathmandu on Sunday.

As an alternative, Nembang has proposed preparing a draft of new constitution on agreed issues and holding continuous discussions on federalism, the major bone of contention among the parties. While NC and UML have agreed to the proposal, UCPN (Maoist) is insistent on settling the issues as a package deal based in consensus.

According to Dahal’s personal aide, Chudamani Khadka, the Maoist chairman requested Nembang not to initiate voting process in the CA, saying that the parties are close to settling the contentious issues in consensus.

Nembang could yet again stall the voting process, though the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have said that the disputes should be put to vote if there is no consensus by Monday.

The CA chair could conclude Monday’s CA meeting after endorsing a condolence message over the death of Salim Miya Ansari, a former minister. He could postpone the next meeting by a few days to give the parties more time for negotiation. Nembang is also preparing to convene a meeting of top leaders from major political parties to consult about futhre course of action.

Nembang has been repeatedly urging the parties to immediately resolve the disputes. “I have already provided two months time for the parties. I cannot wait any longer,” he said.